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Details for this story were provided by Tom James, a reporter for The Tribune Star in Terre Haute, Ind.

INDIANAPOLIS — Victor Cruz wasn’t expected to be a big-play receiver for the New York Giants.

He was an undrafted free agent in 2010 and did not catch a pass in three regular-season games after being sidelined with a hamstring injury.

In the 2011 season he was listed as New York’s fourth wide receiver.

Injuries again played a major role, although this time in his favor. Mario Manningham and Domenik Hixon both went down, opening the door for more playing time.

The Patterson, N.J., native wound up the regular season with 82 receptions in 16 games for a franchise single-season record 1,582 yards. He scored nine touchdowns. The highlight was a 99-yard catch and run against the crosstown rival Jets.

“I think I still have the sore mark right here on my arm [from pinching himself]. It’s been an amazing ride for me,” Cruz said.

What he lacks in straight-out speed, Cruz has shown an ability to make tough catches in a crowd. It’s his burst after the catch that has caught the most attention – most notably from coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning.

Coughlin said Cruz took “full advantage” of his opportunities and Manning likes what he sees of Cruz. “He’s gotten better because of meetings and game-time experience, Manning said.

What Cruz has accomplished this season should serve as a wake-up call for any college player who feels slighted that he didn’t get an invitation to the National Football Scouting Combine.

“I had two pro days [prior to the NFL draft]. One was at Boston College and one up at UMass. I just did the best I could and was fortunate enough to open up some minds,” he said.

When asked if there’s a sense of irony to the fact that Sunday night’s Super Bowl matchup with New England will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium, the site of the annual combine, Cruz just shook his head and smiled.

“I guess so. Being from a small school, I understand how [the combine] goes. I wasn’t 6-5, 220 pounds or I didn’t have off-the-wall statistics," he said. “I understood how the whole thing goes. I’d rather be here for the Super Bowl now than the combine.”